Hearing loss Board decisions

The Veteran's claims for right upper extremity, left upper extremity, right lower extremity, and left lower extremity peripheral neuropathy, as well as hearing loss in both ears, and sleep apnea (OSA) were denied. The Board found that the evidence did not support a finding of service connection due to lack of in-service incurrence or aggravation.,The Veteran's claims for these conditions are based on direct service connection rather than presumptive exposure to herbicide agents.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities result in the loss of use of both lower extremities, necessitating constant use of a walker. The Board has granted financial assistance for specially adapted housing but denied the special home adaptation grant as moot.

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that there is no persuasive medical evidence or credible lay evidence showing a nexus between these conditions and his military service.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities have prevented him from obtaining and retaining substantially gainful employment since April 16, 2019.

The Board has decided to remand the case due to insufficient medical opinion regarding the etiology of the Veteran's bilateral hearing loss and the need for additional VA treatment records. The Veteran is also required to provide clarification on his in-service noise exposure.

The Board dismissed the Veteran's appeals for various conditions, including right elbow strain, right wrist strain, bilateral hearing loss, chronic bronchitis, right hip pain, and sinusitis. The claims were also dismissed for left elbow lateral epicondylitis, a rating greater than 20 percent for a right shoulder disability, an effective date earlier than September 1, 2018, for the grant of a 20 percent rating for a right shoulder disability, and an initial compensable rating for surgical scars, right shoulder. The Board also dismissed the Veteran's appeals regarding service connection for left knee disorder, right knee disorder, and low back disorder.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and tinnitus, finding that the Veteran's conditions are at least as likely as not related to his in-service noise exposure.

The Board has remanded the case due to an inadequate hearing and reasons and bases presented by the Board with regard to its extraschedular analysis. The Veteran's symptoms, including social isolation, confusion, and frustration, are not adequately contemplated by the rating criteria for hearing loss.

The Board has remanded the cases of bilateral hearing loss, ringing in ears (tinnitus), lower chin condition, and lower back condition for further development due to new evidence added after the last decision.

The Veteran's bilateral hearing loss is currently rated at 50 percent, effective July 31, 2018. The Board found that the evidence does not support a higher rating.

The Veteran's hypertension and right ear hearing loss are being remanded for further development, including obtaining an addendum opinion to address the nature and etiology of his right ear hearing loss.

The Veteran's appeal for various disability ratings and service connection claims have been dismissed due to his death.

The Board has granted service connection for bilateral hearing loss and Meniere's disease, finding that the evidence is at least in equipoise as to whether these conditions are related to the Veteran's military service.

The Board denied the Veteran's claim for service connection for right ear hearing loss, finding that there was no evidence of a significant threshold shift in his hearing during service and concluding that his current hearing loss is not related to his military service.

The Veteran's claims of a higher rating for his right knee condition and service connection for bilateral hearing loss are remanded due to the need for additional examinations.

The Board has remanded the Veteran's claims for service connection for sinusitis and bilateral hearing loss due to incomplete compliance with prior remand instructions. Additional development is needed, including obtaining supplemental VA opinions on secondary service connection.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities rendered him unable to obtain and maintain substantially gainful employment, but he was not in need of nursing home care or permanent housebound status. He is granted SMC based on the need for aid and attendance by another.

The Board has dismissed all service connection claims due to the Veteran's death during the appeal process.

The Board has remanded the issues of service connection for thyroid condition, skin condition, and throat condition. The Veteran's claims for increased rating for urethral papilloma and entitlement to TDIU are denied.

The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, tinnitus, and hypertension have been dismissed due to their death.